Gay Byrne off-air due to suspected cancer

Published: November 20, 2016 - 5:44 pm

RTE lyric fm presenter Gay Byrne has announced he won’t be on-air next week as he’ll be in hospital getting his suspected cancer checked out.

He told listeners on Sunday evening: “Oh I forgot to mention during the show, but I shall not be with our listeners on this day next week. Have to go to hospital this week. They think they may have discovered a bit of cancer in the prostate and they’re afraid that it may have moved up into my back. So I’m into hospital for all sorts of tests. I’ve had the most wonderful, fantastic, robust, good health all my broadcasting life.”

He joked, whilst handing over with Evelyn Grant at 4pm, saying “So it’s my turn now. Many, many people much worse off.” Evelyn commented on how well he looks, to which he replied he has a great face for radio.

A spokesperson for RTÉ said: “All Gay’s friends and colleagues in RTÉ wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back in the coming weeks.”

The 82 year old plays traditional jazz, big band and swing mixed with chat, competitions and CD giveaways every Sunday from 2-4pm on lyric fm.

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